Wagoner requests state help for people stranded by road washout

Sen. Keith Wagoner is requesting state assistance for emergency repairs to a section of landslide damaged roadway which left dozens of homes inaccessible in the community of Lyman.

Heavy rainfall resulting in a slide destroyed a section of Prevedal Road. Initial repairs would cost an estimated $300,000, a dozen times more than the $23,137 Lyman has in its annual street budget.

“This small, rural community does not have the tax base or the reserves to address the repairs. There are about 100 people whose homes have been left inaccessible as a result of this weekend’s weather event.” wrote Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, to Gov. Jay Inslee.

“I will be requesting funding in the Supplemental Transportation Budget, however, I also recognize that resources may be limited in addressing this dire need,” Wagoner added. “I would respectfully request that you bring the force of the Governor’s office to bear on this request in hopes that their immediate needs might be met. This community cannot wait until funds become available in the future.”

Wagoner said the Governor expressed his concern for the citizens of Lyman and willingness to engage his staff in working toward a solution. Good news for a town that has had more than its share of weather- related disasters this winter.